This is the first year the prestigious contest will be held on its own since joining forces with the International Bluegrass Music Association’s World of Bluegrass convention in 2004. With IBMA moving its signature event to Raleigh, NC for at least the next three years, the Grand Masters was again left homeless, just as it was when the Opryland theme park closed in 1997.

Howard Harris, Chairman and CEO of Grand Master Fiddler Championship, Inc. tells us that they are thankful for the support of the Hall of Fame, and their generous sponsors in and around Nashville.

Fiddlers will be heading to Nashville from all over the country to compete in four categories: Grand Master Fiddler, Grand Master Fiddler Traditional, Grand Master Fiddler Youth, and Grand Master Accompanist.

The list of winners and top 10 placers includes nearly every prominent fiddler since the 1970s. Legends like Mark O’Connor, Sam Bush, Hoot Hester, J.T. Perkins, Texas Shorty, Benny Thomasson, Woody Paul, Jimmy Mattingly, and Randy Howard have graced their leader board, along with current fiddlers like Deanie Richardson, Luke Bulla, Daniel Carwile, Alex Hargreaves, Kimber Ludiker, Tristan and Tashina Claridge, and many, many others who have their name in the rolls.

Full details about the Grand Masters can be found online. We’ll post the 2013 winners when the information is available.

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.

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